Awash with powerful calls for change, strength, and unity, the messages came hard and fast in speeches, performances, sketches and fashion choices at the awards hosted by James Corden.

The former Democrat candidate read from Michael Wolff's explosive account of life inside President Trump's White House, Fire and Fury, as part of a skit starring the likes of John Legend, DJ Khaled and Cardi B.

In the sketch, Corden was auditioning the musicians - and eventually Mrs Clinton - for the audio recording of the best-seller book.

She was revealed as the final audition hopeful before Corden told her she had got the job.

Introducing the star-studded performance, singer Janelle Monae gave a rousing speech, saying "Time's Up" on harassment and the "abuse of power" in the music industry.

"It's not just going out in Hollywood, it's not just going on in Washington, it's right here in our industry as well," she said.

Filling the stage, all dressed in white, "fearless" Kesha led an all-female ensemble including Bebe Rexha and Cyndi Lauper singing the song ‘Praying’, winning a standing ovation and reducing many in the audience to tears.

The star-studded group hug after their emotional performance of 'Praying'Credit:
Kevin Winter/Getty

Setting the tone of the night Kendrick Lamar too gave an invigorating opening performance, crowded by dancers who through the performance were dressed as soldiers, shot, and stood in solidarity as he called for Jay-Z as president.

Continuing the call for change, young Cuban-American singer-songwriter Camilla Cabello also made a heartfelt statement on the importance of dreamers while introducing a performance from U2.

Kendrick Lamar led the first performance of the night at the 60th Annual Grammy AwardsCredit:
Kevin Mazue/Getty

In yet another highly charged act on a riverside stage under the gaze of the Statue of liberty, the Irish rockers performed Get Out of Your Own Way - a song released last week with a video aimed directly at US President, Donald Trump.

The campaign was launched on Wednesday after a group of music executives came up with the idea and comes weeks after Hollywood stars wore black at the Golden Globes in a similar protest.

Speaking on the red carpet, Sting spoke about Time's Up and Me Too, telling the BBC it was "an important conversation".

He added: "It's a time of learning and hopefully, eventually, a time of healing."

While women featured heavily in sentiment and performances, Alessia Cara was the only female to win an award during the televised show on her own merit, with Rihanna featuring on Lamar's winning track LOYALTY..

“after everything you've done I can thank you for how strong I have become” thank you to the @RecordingAcad, the women on stage with me tonight, and everyone who has supported me through this whole journey. pic.twitter.com/43gOsofL0S

Performances

Logic

In the final performance of the night rapper, Logic, added once more to the calls to action, making a speech during his time on stage highlighting the importance of fighting for minorities.

Receiving a standing ovation for his words, the young artist made an impassioned plea for women to be safe from sexual predators and also that there are people from beautiful countries around the world that need to remember they are not s***holes.

Elton John and Miley Cyrus

James Corden

Returning again to host the past-moving ceremony with his well-loved self deprecating comedy, James Corden breezed through the night with not a slip-up in sight - even pausing to introduce the audience to his parents.

In place of his huge US hit ‘Carpool Karaoke’, Corden took to the underground in New York with Shaggy and Sting for the first ever ‘Subway car Karaoke’.

Ensuring no one “goes home empty-handed” Corden also offered those not winning their categories ‘consolation puppies’.

Host James Corden speaks onstage Credit:
Christopher Polk/Getty

Full winners list

Best Pop Vocal Album: Ed Sheeran - Divide

Best traditional blues album: The Rolling Stones - Blue & Lonesome

Best spoken world album: Carrie Fisher - The Princess Diarist

Best video: Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE

Best rap/sung performance: Kendrick LAMAR - LOYALTY

Best new artist: Alessia Cara

Best pop solo performance: Ed Sheeran - Shape of You

Best rap album: Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE

Best comedy album: Dave Chappelle - The Age of Spin and Deep in the Heart of Texas